JP2019105912A - Control program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with printers of various communication protocols.SOLUTION: When a printer using Bluetooth is selected as the selected printer, a media monitor 28 determines whether an address of the selected printer, that is, the Bluetooth address can be acquired. Then, the media monitor 28 outputs the determination result to an application 26. Further, the application 26 is configured to be able to output a request for media information to the media monitor 28 when the received determination result indicates that the Bluetooth address can be acquired. Then, when receiving the request for media information from the application 26, the media monitor 28 transmits the request for media information to the selected printer that has established communication using the Bluetooth address. This makes it possible to communicate with printers of various communication protocols.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a computer readable control program of an information processing apparatus in which an application for transmitting print data to a printer is installed.

  In an information processing apparatus in which an application for transmitting print data to a printer is installed, the print data is transmitted to the printer by various communication protocols. The following patent document describes an example of an information processing apparatus that transmits print data to a printer using Bluetooth as a communication protocol.

JP, 2015-12443, A

  For example, in the case where a printer capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus by a new communication method is developed, it is not desirable to perform a significant improvement of the application. Therefore, in such a case, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a newly developed printer without significantly improving the application.

  In order to solve the above problems, a control program disclosed in the embodiment is a control program readable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, and an application installed in the information processing apparatus selects the computer. If the selected printer driver is set to transmit print data to the selected printer in the first protocol, it is determined whether or not the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can be acquired by a predetermined method. The selected printer is a printer selected as a transmission destination of print data by the selected printer driver, and the computer is configured to use judgment result information indicating a judgment result by the judgment unit as the application. First output means for outputting to the The predetermined method when the first instruction is received from the application after the step outputs the determination result information indicating that the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can be obtained by the predetermined method And causing the selected printer to function as transmission means for transmitting an identification request according to the first protocol, using the address obtained in the above.

  Thus, for example, even when a printer capable of communicating with the information processing apparatus by the new communication method is developed, the newly developed printer and the printer can be developed via the control program without significantly improving the application. It is possible to communicate and send a specific request to the printer.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printer system 1; FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the relationship among an application 26, a media monitor 28, a first communication module 30, a second communication module 32, a printer driver 34, a port monitor 36 and devices. It is a figure which shows the preparation screen 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows the preparation screen 100. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the printer system 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the printer system 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation sequence of the printer system 1; It is a figure which shows an open process execution subroutine. It is a figure which shows a transmission processing execution subroutine. It is a figure which shows a reception process execution subroutine.

<Configuration of printer system>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printer system 1 according to the present embodiment. The printer system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a PC (an example of an information processing apparatus) 10 and three printers 50a to 50c. The PC 10 mainly includes a CPU (an example of a computer) 12, a memory 14, an LCD (an example of a display interface) 16, an input I / F 18, and a communication I / F 20. These components are able to communicate with one another via a bus 22.

  The PC 10 and the printers 50 a to 50 c can communicate via the communication I / F 20 and the network 52. For example, USB, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark) are adopted as a communication protocol between the PC 10 and the printers 50a to 50c. Specifically, the communication protocol of the printer 50a is Bluetooth (an example of a first protocol), the communication protocol of the printer 50b is a USB (an example of a second protocol), and the communication protocol of the printer 50c is Wi-Fi (an example of a second protocol) is adopted.

  The printers 50a to 50c are, for example, label printers, transmit and receive various information and instruction signals to and from the PC 10 using the above communication protocol, and based on control by the PC 10, desired texts, images, etc. Create a printed label. By the way, the label printer is, for example, a printer that prints a text or the like on a long tape such as a laminate film to create a label.

  The CPU 12 executes processing in accordance with the application 25 in the memory 14, the printer drivers 34a to 34c, the port monitor (an example of the communication port) 36a to 36c, and the OS 38. The application 25 includes an application (an example of an application) 26, a media monitor (an example of a control program) 28, a first communication module (an example of a first communication program) 30, a second communication module (an example of a second communication program) 32, Contains.

  The application 26 is a program for creating image data of an image to be printed by the printers 50a to 50c. The printer drivers 34a to 34c are device drivers for the printers 50a to 50c, and control the operation of the printers 50a to 50c. The printer driver 34a corresponds to the printer 50a, the printer driver 34b corresponds to the printer 50b, and the printer driver 34c corresponds to the printer 50c.

  The port monitors 36a to 36c transmit image data and the like to the printers 50a to 50c in accordance with instructions from the printer drivers 34a to 34c. The port monitor 36a is set to be used for printing the printer 50a, the printer driver 34a is set to use the port monitor 36a, and the port monitor 36b is set to be used for printing the printer 50b. The printer driver 34b is set to use the port monitor 36b, the port monitor 36c is set to be used for printing of the printer 50c, and the printer driver 34c is set to use the port monitor 36b. The port monitor may function as a port monitor together with a program called a port driver.

  The media monitor 28, the first communication module 30, and the second communication module 32 are programs for communicating with the printers 50a to 50c without the printer drivers 34a to 34c and the port monitors 36a to 36c. The first communication module 30 transmits / receives data to / from a device whose communication protocol is Bluetooth according to an instruction of the media monitor 28. That is, the first communication module 30 exchanges data with the printer a. In addition, the second communication module 32 exchanges data with a device whose communication protocol is Wi-Fi in accordance with an instruction from the media monitor 28. That is, the second communication module 32 exchanges data with the printer c.

  The OS 38 is a program that provides basic functions used for the application 26, the media monitor 28, and the like. The OS 38 is, for example, an operating system such as Windows (registered trademark), MacOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), Android (registered trademark), and iOS (registered trademark). In the following description, the CPU 12 that executes the media monitor 28 or the like may be described simply as a program name. For example, the description "media monitor 28 is" may mean "the CPU 12 executing the media monitor 28".

  FIG. 2 conceptually shows the relationship between programs and devices. When the application 26 creates image data for printing, the application 26 outputs the image data to the printer driver 34 corresponding to the printer 50 that executes printing, and the printer driver 34 that has received the image data is a port monitor set in itself. Output the image data to 36. Then, the port monitor 36 that has received the image data transmits the image data to the printer 50 corresponding to itself via the communication I / F 20, thereby causing the printer 50 to execute the printing process on the label. The port monitor 36 is set with information related to the address of the printer 50 corresponding to itself (hereinafter referred to as “address information”), and the port monitor 36 uses the set address information. Communication is established with the printer 50, and image data is transmitted to the printer 50 indicated by the address information as a destination. The address information set in the port monitor is stored in the data storage area in a mode corresponding to the type of port monitor. For example, the aspect stored in the data storage area differs between the port monitor of the OS standard and the port monitor of the non-OS standard.

  The application 26 also outputs a request for various information related to the printer 50 to the media monitor 28. When the media monitor 28 receives a request for various information, the media monitor 28 outputs a command to the first communication module 30 or the second communication module 32 to acquire the requested information from the printer 50. When receiving the command, the first communication module 30 or the second communication module 32 establishes communication with the printer 50 via the communication I / F 20, and acquires the requested information. Then, the first communication module 30 or the second communication module 32 outputs the acquired information to the media monitor 28, and the media monitor 28 outputs the received information to the application 26.

  The memory 14 also includes a data storage area 40 as shown in FIG. The data storage area 40 is an area for storing data required for program execution. The memory 14 is configured by combining a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an HDD, a buffer provided in the CPU 12, and the like.

  The memory 14 may be a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. The non-transitory medium also includes a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, etc. in addition to the above example. In addition, non-transitory media are tangible media. On the other hand, an electrical signal carrying a program downloaded from a server or the like on the Internet is a computer readable signal medium, which is a type of computer readable medium, but a non-transitory computer readable storage. It is not included in the medium.

  The LCD 16 displays various functions of the PC 10. The input I / F 18 is an interface for inputting a user operation including a keyboard, a mouse and the like.

<Operation of printer system>
In the printer system 1, the application 26 creates image data for printing, and at that time, as shown in FIG. 3, a creation screen 100 for creating image data for printing is displayed on the LCD 16 of the PC 10. A device selection button 102 is displayed on the creation screen 100, and when the device selection button 102 is operated, the application 26 selects an arbitrary printer from printers that can communicate with the PC 10 (shown in FIG. Display). Among the plurality of port monitors, the port monitor used by the printer driver is set, and in the set port monitor, address information of the printer corresponding to the printer driver is set. Also, a printer name indicating a printer corresponding to the address information is set. Then, in the area corresponding to the printer name of the data storage area 40, the set printer name and printer driver identification information indicating the set printer driver are stored in association with each other. Also, port monitor identification information indicating a port monitor used by the printer driver is stored in the area corresponding to the installed printer driver. The port name is an example of port monitor identification information. Also, in the area corresponding to the set port monitor, the set address information is stored in a mode according to the type of port monitor. An area corresponding to the printer name, an area corresponding to the printer driver, and an area corresponding to the port monitor are provided, for example, in a registry area used by the OS 38. An area corresponding to a port monitor that is not the OS standard may be provided in addition to the registry area. The setting of the port monitor used by the printer driver is performed, for example, when the printer driver is installed or when the printer is connected to the PC 10 by plug and play. The storage of the information in each area may be performed by the program corresponding to the area, or may be performed by a program for setting each program such as an installation program. Then, on the selection screen, a list of printer names stored in the data storage area is displayed as a selectable list. When an operation of selecting an arbitrary printer from the list is performed, the application 26 displays the printer name of the selected printer (hereinafter referred to as “selected printer”) on the device selection button 102. .

  In addition, on the creation screen 100, a size display field 106 for displaying the size of a print medium such as a label (hereinafter referred to as "media size") is also displayed. The size display field 106 displays, for example, a media size set by user operation, a media size set as a default, and the like. Then, the preview image 108 is displayed below the device selection button 102 and the size display field 106. The preview image 108 is an image showing a print medium of a size corresponding to the media size displayed in the size display field 106.

  The printers 50a to 50c also have a function to detect the size of the print medium set in the printer (hereinafter referred to as "media size detection function"). For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the application 26 displays the size check button 110 on the creation screen 100 when the printer having the is selected. At this time, when the size check button 110 is operated, the application 26 displays the information on the medium size of the print medium set in the selected printer in the selected printer, the media monitor 28, the first communication module 30 or the second Request via communication module 32. The selected selected printer detects the media size, and information on the detected media size is transmitted to the PC 10. Then, the application 26 displays the detected media size in the size display field 106 based on the received information. In addition, the application 26 displays, as the preview image 108, an image indicating a print medium of a size corresponding to the detected media size.

  However, even if the selected printer has the media size detection function, communication can not be established between the selected printer and the PC 10 if the address information of the selected printer can not be obtained. The application 26 can not obtain information on the media size of the print medium set in the selected printer. For this reason, although the selected printer has the media size detection function, the application 26 can not obtain the address information of the selected printer and the selected printer does not have the media size detection function. Does not display the size check button 110 on the creation screen 100. On the other hand, when the selected printer has a media size detection function and it is possible to acquire address information of the selected printer, the application 26 displays a size check button 110 on the creation screen 100.

  Incidentally, the determination as to whether or not the selected printer has the media size detection function, and the determination as to whether or not it is possible to acquire the address information of the selected printer are not determined by the application 26 but by the media monitor 28. To be executed. Hereinafter, the operation of the printer system 1 when the size check button 110 is displayed / not displayed on the creation screen 100 according to the determination of the media monitor 28 will be described in detail using the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  In the present specification, basically, the processing of the CPU 12 according to the instruction described in the program is shown. That is, in the following description, processes such as “determination”, “extraction”, “selection”, “calculation”, “determination”, “identification”, “acquisition”, “acceptance”, “control” and “setting” Represents the processing of The processing by the CPU 12 also includes hardware control via the OS 38. Note that "acquisition" is used with the concept of not requiring a request. That is, the process of receiving data without the request of the CPU 12 is also included in the concept of "the CPU 12 acquires data". Also, “data” in the present specification is represented by a computer readable bit string. Then, data having the same substantial semantic content but different format is treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in the present specification. Further, processing such as "instruction" "response" "request" is performed by communicating information indicating "instruction" "response" "request" or the like. In addition, words such as "instruction", "response", "request" and the like may be described in the meaning of information itself indicating "instruction", "response", "request" and the like. In addition, the process of determining whether the information A indicates that the matter B is performed by the CPU may be conceptually described as “determining whether or not the matter B is from the information A”. There is. A process of determining whether the information A indicates the matter B or the matter C by the CPU is “judged from the information A whether the matter B or the matter C” It may be described conceptually as

  First, when a printer name is selected by a user operation on the creation screen 100, the application 26 acquires the selected printer name (S100), and displays the printer name on the device selection button 102. Next, the application 26 outputs the request for the availability information to the media monitor 28 together with the printer name of the selected printer (hereinafter referred to as "printer identification information") (S102). The availability information is information indicating whether or not the selected printer has a media size detection function, and whether it is possible to acquire address information of the selected printer. The application 26 also stores the printer name of the selected printer in the data storage area. Then, when displaying the creation screen 100, the application 26 acquires the printer name stored in the data storage area (S100), and displays the printer name and requests the availability information (S102).

  When media monitor 28 receives the request for the availability information and the printer identification information, it searches the data storage area 40 for the determination flag of the selected printer identified by the printer identification information (S104), and acquires it from data storage area 40. (S106). Specifically, based on printer driver identification information stored in the storage area corresponding to the printer name of the selected printer, the determination flag stored in the storage area corresponding to the printer driver is acquired. The determination flag is information stored in the area corresponding to the printer driver 34 a-c of the data storage area 40 when the printer driver 34 a-c is installed in the PC 10, and the printer driver 34 a-c This is a flag indicating whether the corresponding printer 50a-c has the media size detection function. It is also possible that the flag is not stored in the area corresponding to the printer driver which does not have the media size detection function.

  Therefore, when the media monitor 28 acquires the determination flag from the data storage area 40, it determines whether the selected printer has the media size detection function based on the determination flag (S108). Specifically, when the determination flag indicating that the media size detection function is provided is acquired, it is determined that S108: YES. If it is determined that the selected printer has the media size detection function (S108: YES), the media monitor 28 outputs a request for the port name (an example of identification information) of the selected printer to the OS 38 together with the printer identification information. (S110). Then, when receiving the request for the port name and the printer identification information, the OS 38 outputs the port name of the selected printer identified by the printer identification information to the media monitor 28 (S112).

  Subsequently, when the media monitor 28 receives a port name, the application 25 corresponds to the address information of the selected printer, that is, the address information set in the port monitor indicated by the port name, based on the port name. It is judged whether it is possible to acquire by the method of (S114). The address information set in the port monitor is stored in the data storage area 40 in a manner according to the port monitor. If the storage mode of the address information is a predetermined mode to which the application 25 corresponds, the application 25 can acquire the address information from the data storage area 40 by a predetermined method. However, if the storage mode of the address information is not the predetermined mode, the application 25 can not acquire the address information from the data storage area 40 by the predetermined method. For example, in the case of a port monitor of the OS standard, address information is stored in a mode to which the application 25 corresponds.

  The port name includes a predetermined character string corresponding to the port monitor. The setting of the port name is performed, for example, when the printer driver is installed or when the printer is connected to the PC 10 by plug and play. The port name may be set by the port monitor itself, or may be set by a program for setting a port name, such as an installation program, a plug and play program, or a printer driver. Specifically, as a port name corresponding to the OS standard USB port monitor, a port name having three letters of "USB" at the head as a port name corresponding to the address information of the printer 50b using USB as a communication protocol is It is set. Also, as a port name corresponding to the OS standard Bluetooth port monitor, a port name having “COM” or “BTH” at the beginning is set.

  Therefore, when the first three characters of the port name are any of “USB”, “COM”, and “BTH”, it is understood that the port monitor is OS standard. Therefore, the media monitor 28 determines whether the first three characters of the port name are “USB”, “COM”, or “BTH”. Then, the media monitor 28 determines that the address information can be acquired by a predetermined method when the first three characters of the port name are “USB”, “COM”, or “BTH”, and the port name When the first three characters are other than "USB", "COM", and "BTH", it is determined that the address information can not be acquired by a predetermined method. That is, when the port name includes a predetermined character string, the media monitor 28 determines that the port name is a name of a type capable of acquiring the address information and can acquire the address information of the selected printer, and the port name is predetermined. If it does not contain the character string, it is determined that the port name is not the type of the name that can acquire the address information, and that the address information of the selected printer can not be acquired.

  In addition, as a port name corresponding to the Bluetooth port monitor which is not OS standard, there may be, for example, a port name including a character string of “TBP” and “IPBTM” at the head.

  Although the port name corresponding to the address information of the printer 50c using Wi-Fi as the communication protocol does not include a predetermined character string, if the port name corresponds to the OS standard Wi-Fi port monitor, the port name A file having a file name is stored in a predetermined area of the data storage area 40. Therefore, the media monitor 28 determines whether a file whose file name is the acquired port name is stored in a predetermined area of the data storage area 40 and that the file can be opened. When the media monitor 28 opens the file, it determines that the address information can be acquired by a predetermined method, and when the file can not be opened, or the file having the acquired port name as the file name is the data storage area 40. It is determined that the address information can not be acquired by the predetermined method when the address information is not stored in the predetermined area.

  According to such a method, it is judged whether or not the application 25 can acquire the address information by a predetermined method, and if it is judged that the address information can be acquired (S116: YES), the media monitor 28 applies the possible information to the application. It outputs to 26 (S122). The application 26 having received the possible information displays the size check button 110 on the creation screen 100 (S 124). On the other hand, when it is determined that the address information can not be acquired (S116: NO), the media monitor 28 outputs the impossibility information to the application 26 (S118). The application 26 that has received the impossibility information does not display the size check button 110 on the creation screen 100 (S120). Even when it is determined in S108 that the selected printer does not have the media size detection function (S108: NO), the media monitor 28 outputs the impossibility information to the application 26 (S118), and the application 26 Does not display the size check button 110 on the creation screen 100 (S120).

  Next, the size check button 110 is displayed on the creation screen 100, and the operation of the printer system 1 when the size check button 110 is operated will be described in detail below using the sequence diagrams shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. Do. However, in the following description, the case where the printer 50a is selected as the selected printer, that is, the case where the printer 50a using Bluetooth is selected, will be described.

  First, when the size check button 110 is operated on the creation screen 100, the application 26 receives an input of the operation (S200). Next, the application 26 outputs a request for information on the medium size of the print medium set in the selected driver (hereinafter referred to as "media information") to the media monitor 28 together with the printer identification information (S202).

  When the media monitor 28 receives the request for the media information and the printer identification information, the media monitor 28 outputs the request for the port name together with the printer identification information to the OS 38 (S204). Then, when receiving the request for the port name and the printer identification information, the OS 38 outputs the port name of the selected printer identified by the printer identification information to the media monitor 28 (S206).

  When the media monitor 28 receives the port name of the selected printer, it outputs an open processing instruction to the communication module corresponding to the communication protocol of the selected printer (S208). In the present embodiment, since the printer 50a using Bluetooth as the communication protocol is selected as the selected printer, the media monitor 28 outputs the open processing instruction to the first communication module 30 together with the port name.

  When the first communication module 30 receives the open process instruction, the first communication module 30 executes an open process execution subroutine (S210). In the open process execution subroutine, as shown in FIG. 8, the first communication module 30 searches for a Bluetooth address based on the port name (S300). The Bluetooth address is an address of a printer using Bluetooth, and is an example of an address specified by the address information. Therefore, the first communication module 30 searches the data storage area 40 for the Bluetooth address stored in the area of the corresponding port monitor corresponding to the port name. Then, the first communication module 30 determines whether the search for the Bluetooth address has succeeded (S302).

  At this time, if the search for the Bluetooth address is successful (S302: YES), the first communication module 30 acquires the searched Bluetooth address. The method of acquiring the Bluetooth address by the first communication module 30 is an example of a predetermined method to which the application 25 corresponds. The first communication module creates communication information for communicating with the selected printer based on the acquired Bluetooth address (S304). Next, the first communication module 30 connects the communication with the selected printer using the created communication information (S306). At this time, the first communication module 30 determines whether communication with the selected printer is connected (S308). Then, when communication with the selected printer is connected (S308: YES), the first communication module 30 creates success information (S310), and the open processing execution subroutine ends. On the other hand, when the communication with the selected printer is not connected (S308: NO), the first communication module 30 creates failure information (S312), and the open processing execution subroutine ends. If the search for the Bluetooth address fails in S302 (S302: NO), the first communication module 30 creates failure information (S312), and the open processing execution subroutine ends.

  Next, when the open process execution subroutine ends, as shown in FIG. 6, the first communication module 30 outputs the result in the open process execution subroutine, that is, the success information or failure information created in the open process execution subroutine, It outputs to the media monitor 28 (S212). Then, the media monitor 28 determines whether the received information is success information (S214). At this time, when the media monitor 28 receives the success information (S214: YES), the media monitor 28 outputs a transmission processing instruction to the first communication module 30 (S216). When receiving the transmission processing instruction, the first communication module 30 executes a transmission processing execution subroutine (S218).

  In the transmission process execution subroutine, as shown in FIG. 9, the first communication module 30 transmits a request for status information to the connected selected printer (S320). At this time, the first communication module 30 determines whether the transmission of the status information request has succeeded (S322). Then, if the transmission of the status information request is successful (S322: YES), the first communication module 30 creates success information (S324), and the transmission processing execution subroutine ends. On the other hand, if the transmission of the status information request has not succeeded (S322: NO), the first communication module 30 creates failure information (S326), and the transmission processing execution subroutine ends.

  Next, when the transmission process execution subroutine ends, as shown in FIG. 6, the first communication module 30 determines the result in the transmission process execution subroutine, that is, success information or failure information created in the transmission process execution subroutine, It outputs to the media monitor 28 (S220). Then, the media monitor 28 determines whether the received information is success information (S222). At this time, when the media monitor 28 receives the success information (S222: YES), as shown in FIG. 7, the media monitor 28 outputs a reception processing instruction to the first communication module 30 (S224). When receiving the reception processing instruction, the first communication module 30 executes a reception processing execution subroutine (S226).

  In the reception process execution subroutine, as shown in FIG. 10, the first communication module 30 prepares a reception buffer in the data storage area 40 in order to receive status information from the selected printer (S330). Then, the first communication module 30 receives status information from the selected printer (S332). At this time, the first communication module 30 determines whether the reception of the status information has succeeded (S334). Then, when the reception of the status information is successful (S334: YES), the first communication module 30 creates success information (S336), and the reception processing execution subroutine ends. On the other hand, if the reception of the status information is not successful (S334: NO), the first communication module 30 creates failure information (S338), and the reception processing execution subroutine ends.

  Next, when the reception process execution subroutine ends, as shown in FIG. 7, the first communication module 30 determines the result in the reception process execution subroutine, that is, the success information or failure information created in the reception process execution subroutine, It outputs to the media monitor 28 (S228). When the first communication module 30 outputs success information to the media monitor 28, the status information received from the selected printer is also the main component of the media monitor 28 together with the success information. When the media monitor 28 receives the result of the reception process execution subroutine, the media monitor 28 outputs a close process instruction to the first communication module 30 (S230). When the first communication module 30 receives the close processing instruction, the first communication module 30 disconnects the communication connection with the selected printer (S232).

  When the media monitor 28 receives the result of the reception process execution subroutine, the media monitor 28 determines whether the received information is success information (S234). At this time, when the media monitor 28 receives the success information (S234: YES), it extracts media information from the status information received together with the success information (S236). Specifically, the status information is information indicating the status of the selected printer, and includes a lot of information in addition to the media information. Specifically, for example, information on the model of the selected printer, error information on the selected printer, information on the font of characters printed on the selected printer, information indicating the communication state between the selected printer and the PC 10, used in the selected printer It contains information on the color of ink. The media information includes information on the width dimension of the print medium set in the selected printer, information on the length dimension of the print medium set in the selected printer, and information regarding the type of print medium set in the selected printer , And includes code information indicating the type of print medium set in the selected printer. Therefore, the media monitor 28 extracts media information from the status information. However, the media monitor 28 extracts not only the media information but also information indicating the communication state between the selected printer and the PC 10, information about the color of ink used in the selected printer, and the like from the status information.

  Then, the media monitor 28 outputs the extracted media information and the success information to the application 26 (S238). When the application 26 receives the media information and the success information, it displays the media size according to the media information in the size display field 106 of the creation screen 100 and, as the preview image 108, a print medium of a size according to the media information Is displayed (S240).

  In S214, S222, and S234, when the media monitor 28 receives failure information (S214, S222, and S234: NO), the media monitor 28 outputs failure information to the application 26 (S242). Then, when the application 26 receives the failure information, the application 26 displays an error screen (not shown) on the LCD 16.

  Further, when the printer 50c is selected as the selected printer, that is, when the printer 50c using Wi-Fi is selected, and when the printer 50b is selected, that is, the printer 50b using USB is selected. When it is selected, media information is acquired by the same method as when the printer 50a using Bluetooth is selected. For this reason, when the printer 50c using Wi-Fi is selected, and when the printer 50a using Bluetooth is selected regarding the method of acquiring media information when the printer 50b using USB is selected, Only differences from the method of acquiring media information will be described.

  When the printer 50 c using Wi-Fi is selected as the selected printer, the media monitor 28 communicates with the second communication module 32 instead of the first communication module 30. That is, the media monitor 28 outputs an open processing instruction, a transmission processing instruction, and the like to the second communication module 32. Then, the second communication module 32 executes an open process execution subroutine, a transmission process execution subroutine, and the like. At that time, the second communication module 32 searches for an IP address without searching for a Bluetooth address in S300 of the open processing execution subroutine. The second communication module 32 connects the selected printer and the communication by using the IP address without using the Bluetooth address in S306 of the open process execution subroutine. Thus, even when the printer 50c using Wi-Fi is selected, the medium size of the print medium set in the selected printer is displayed on the creation screen 100, and an image of a size according to the medium size is displayed. Can be displayed as a preview image 108.

  When the printer 50b using USB is selected as the selected printer, the media monitor 28 performs the open processing execution subroutine and transmission processing without communicating with the first communication module 30 and the second communication module 32. Execute a subroutine etc. That is, the media monitor 28 itself executes the open processing execution subroutine, the transmission processing execution subroutine, etc. without outputting the open processing instruction, the transmission processing instruction, and the like. Then, in S300 of the open processing execution subroutine, the media monitor 28 searches for a USB symbolic name without searching for the Bluetooth address. Also, the media monitor 28 connects the selected printer and the communication using the USB symbolic name without using the Bluetooth address in S306 of the open processing execution subroutine. Thus, even when the printer 50b using the USB is selected, the media size of the print medium set in the selected printer is displayed on the creation screen 100, and an image of a size corresponding to the media size is previewed. It can be displayed as an image 108.

  In addition, CPU12 which performs S114 is an example of a judgment means. CPU12 which performs S118 and S122 is an example of a 1st output means. The CPU 12 that executes S238 is an example of a second output unit. CPU12 which performs S300 is an example of an acquisition means. CPU12 which performs S306 is an example of a communication means and a 2nd communication means. CPU12 which performs S320 is an example of a transmission means. CPU12 which performs S332 is an example of a receiving means.

<Effect of the embodiment>
According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  When the printer 50a that uses Bluetooth is selected as the selected printer, the media monitor 28 determines whether the address of the selected printer, that is, the Bluetooth address can be acquired. Then, the media monitor 28 outputs the determination result to the application 26. Further, the application 26 is configured to be able to output a request for media information to the media monitor 28 when the received determination result indicates that the Bluetooth address can be obtained. Then, when the media monitor 28 receives a request for media information from the application 26, the media monitor 28 transmits a request for media information to the selected printer that has established communication using the Bluetooth address. Thus, for example, even when a printer capable of communicating with the PC 10 by a new communication method is developed, communication with the newly developed printer can be performed via the media monitor 28 without improving the application 26 or the like. To send a request for media information to the printer.

  The media monitor 28 determines whether the USB or Wi-Fi address information can be acquired when the printer 50 b or c using the USB or Wi-Fi is selected as the selected printer. Then, when the media monitor 28 receives a request for media information from the application 26, the media monitor 28 transmits the request for media information to the selected printer that has established communication using the USB or Wi-Fi address information. As a result, the media information request can be transmitted not only to the printer 50a using Bluetooth but also to the printers 50b and 50c using USB or Wi-Fi.

  When the media monitor 28 receives a request for media information from the application 26, the media monitor 28 outputs a transmission command to the effect that the request for media information is sent to the selected printer to the first communication module 30, and the first communication module 30 Send the request of to the selected printer. That is, the media monitor 28 sends a request for media information to the selected printer via the first communication module 30. Thereby, the request for media information can be preferably transmitted to the selected printer.

  The media monitor 28 acquires the Bluetooth address set in the port monitor 36 a corresponding to the printer 50 a using Bluetooth. Thereby, communication with the printer 50a using Bluetooth can be suitably performed.

  The media monitor 28 determines that the Bluetooth address can be acquired when the port name set according to the port monitor 36a corresponding to the printer 50a using Bluetooth is the name of the type capable of acquiring the Bluetooth address, and the port If the port name set according to the monitor 36 a is not a type of name that can acquire a Bluetooth address, it is determined that a Bluetooth address can not be acquired. This makes it possible to easily and quickly determine whether or not the Bluetooth address can be obtained.

  The media monitor 28 determines that the Bluetooth address can be acquired if the port name is a port name corresponding to the OS standard Bluetooth port monitor, and the port name does not correspond to the OS standard Bluetooth port monitor. It is determined that the Bluetooth address can not be obtained. This makes it possible to appropriately determine whether or not the Bluetooth address can be acquired.

  The media monitor 28 determines that the Bluetooth address can be acquired when the first three characters of the port name include "COM" or "BTH", and the first three characters of the port name include "COM" or , And “BTH” is not included, it is determined that the Bluetooth address can not be acquired. Thereby, it can be suitably judged whether a Bluetooth address can be acquired.

  The application 26 displays the size check button 110 when the information indicating that the address information can be acquired from the media monitor 28 is received, that is, when the possible information is received in S122 shown in FIG. 5. The application 26 does not display the size check button 110 when the information indicating that the address information can not be acquired from the media monitor 28 is received, that is, when the inability information is received in S118 illustrated in FIG. 5. Then, when the size check button 110 is operated, the application 26 outputs a request for media information to the media monitor 28. As a result, the size check button 110 is displayed on the creation screen 100 only when the address information can be acquired, and the operability of the operation button on the creation screen 100 is improved.

  The media monitor 28 acquires media information in response to the request for the media information being sent to the selected printer, and outputs the acquired media information to the application 26. Then, the application 26 displays the media information on the LCD 16. Thus, the user can recognize the media size of the print medium set in the selected printer.

  When the application 26 receives media information from the media monitor 28, the application 26 displays an image of a media size based on the media information as a preview image 108 on the creation screen 100. Thereby, the user can recognize the image of the print medium set in the selection device.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes in which various changes and improvements are made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Specifically, for example, in the above embodiment, after the media monitor 28 determines that the address information can be obtained, the size check button 110 of the creation screen 100 is operated to By the command, it is determined whether communication can be connected between the PC 10 and the selected printer. That is, after it is determined in S116 shown in FIG. 5 that the address information can be acquired, the possible information is output to the application 26, and the size check button 110 is displayed on the LCD 16 according to the information. Then, the size check button 110 is operated to execute the processing of S204 to S212 shown in FIG. The present invention is not limited to this mode, and it may be determined whether communication can be connected between the PC 10 and the selected printer before the size check button 110 is operated. Specifically, after it is determined in S116 shown in FIG. 5 that the address information can be acquired, the possibility information is not output to the application 26, and the processes of S204 to S212 shown in FIG. 6 are executed. At this time, the media monitor 28 can acquire the address information, and can acquire the first determination result information indicating that communication can be connected between the PC 10 and the selected printer, and the address information. Any information of the second determination result information indicating that communication can not be connected between the PC 10 and the selected printer, and the third determination result information indicating that the address information can not be acquired Output to the application 26. When the application 26 receives the first determination result information, the application 26 displays the size check button 110. When the application 26 receives the second determination result information, the application 26 displays the size check button 110 in a grayed-out state. That is, the application 26 displays the size check button 110 in an inoperable state. In addition, when the application 26 receives the third determination result information, the application 26 does not display the size check button 110. The application 26 may invalidate the size check button 110 when the second or third determination result information is received, and the non-display of the size check button 110, the inoperable state of the size check button 110. The size check button 110 may be invalidated in various manners such as displaying in the above.

  In the above embodiment, when the application 26 receives the impossibility information (FIG. 5: S118), the size check button 110 is not displayed on the creation screen 100 (S120), but the size check button 110 is created in a grayed out state. It may be displayed on the screen 100. Thus, the gray size of the size check button 110 indicates that the user can not communicate, for example, with the printer. In addition, since the size check button 110 is not displayed, the user can know that, for example, size information can not be obtained from the printer.

  Further, unlike the above embodiment, when the application 26 receives the possible information (FIG. 5: S122), as shown in FIG. 6, after the processing of S202 is executed and the processing of S204 to S214 is executed, S214. If the answer is Yes, the size check button 110 may be displayed on the creation screen 100 in a valid manner. If S214 is No, the application 26 may display the size check button 110 on the creation screen 100 in an invalid mode (for example, gray out). The application 26 does not execute the process of S202 even if the size check button 110 of the invalid mode is operated.

  In the above embodiment, Wi-Fi is adopted as an example of the second protocol, but in addition to Wi-Fi, a wired LAN may be adopted as an example of the second protocol, and the second communication The module 32 may be a module compatible with wired LAN in addition to Wi-Fi.

  Further, although the configuration of the application 25 having the configuration including the application 26, the media monitor 28, and the like is described in the above embodiment. The application 26, the media monitor 28, etc. may be configured as a single program not included in the application 25. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the media monitor 28, the first communication module 30, and the second communication module 32 are respectively configured as a single program, but the media monitor 28, the first communication module 30, and the second The communication module 32 may be configured as one program. That is, an assembly of the media monitor 28, the first communication module 30, and the second communication module 32 may be one program.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the processing shown in FIGS. 5 to 107 is executed by the CPU 12 has been described, but these processing may be executed not only by the CPU 12 but by an ASIC or another logic integrated circuit. These processes may be performed by cooperation of a CPU or the like, an ASIC, or another logic integrated circuit.

  10: PC, 12: CPU, 26: Application, 28: Media monitor, 50: Printer

Claims (17)

A control program readable by a computer of an information processing apparatus,
The computer,
When the selected printer driver selected by the application installed in the information processing apparatus is set to transmit print data to the selected printer by the first protocol, the address in the first protocol of the selected printer Function as a determination unit that determines whether the selected printer can be acquired by a predetermined method, and the selected printer is a printer selected as a transmission destination of print data by the selected printer driver,
The computer,
First output means for outputting judgment result information indicating a judgment result by the judgment means to the application;
When the first output unit receives the first instruction from the application after outputting the determination result information indicating that the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can be acquired by the predetermined method Transmitting means for transmitting a specification request to the selected printer by the first protocol using the address acquired by the predetermined method;
And a control program characterized by functioning. The transmission means is
The selected printer driver is configured to send print data to the selected printer in the first protocol, indicating that the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can be obtained by the predetermined method. After the first output unit outputs the determination result information, and when the first instruction is received from the application, the address information in the first protocol of the selected printer, acquired by the predetermined method, is used. Using the first protocol to send the specific request to the printer;
When the selected printer driver is set to transmit print data to the selected printer in the second protocol, and receives the first instruction from the application, the address information of the selected printer in the second protocol is used. The control program according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the identification request to the printer using the second protocol. The transmission means is
By outputting a first transmission command to a first communication program when the selected printer driver is set to transmit print data to the selected printer in a first protocol, via the first communication program The specific request is transmitted to the selected printer by the first protocol, and the first communication program is a program installed in the information processing apparatus, and a program capable of communicating with the printer by the first protocol And the first transmission instruction instructs the selected printer to transmit the identification request by the first protocol using the address of the printer in the first protocol acquired by the predetermined method. Information,
By outputting a second transmission command to a second communication program when the selected printer driver is set to transmit print data to the selected printer according to a second protocol, via the second communication program, The specific request is transmitted to the selected printer by the second protocol, and the second communication program is a program installed in the information processing apparatus, and a program capable of communicating with the printer by the second protocol And the second transmission instruction instructs the selected printer to transmit the identification request by the second protocol using the address of the printer in the second protocol acquired by the predetermined method. The control program according to claim 2, wherein the control program is information.   The control program according to claim 3, wherein the first communication program, the second communication program, and the control program are configured as one program. The control program causes the computer to
Function as the judging means, the first output means, and the transmitting means,
The first communication program includes the computer
Acquisition means for acquiring address information indicating an address in the first protocol of the printer, which is used when the printer driver transmits print data to the printer in the first protocol, using the predetermined method;
When the transmission unit outputs the first transmission instruction information, the communication according to the first transmission instruction information using the address in the first protocol of the printer acquired by the acquisition unit is the first protocol. 5. The control program according to claim 4, wherein the control program functions as communication means for communicating with the selected printer. The acquisition means is
The selected printer driver is set to transmit print data to the printer according to the first protocol by selecting the communication port used for communication in the first protocol as the selected communication port used by the selected printer driver 6. The control program according to claim 5, wherein, when being, the address set to the selected communication port is acquired as an address in the first protocol of the selected printer. The judging means
When the selected printer driver is set to transmit print data to the printer by the first protocol by setting the communication port used for communication in the first protocol as the selected communication port. When identification information for identifying the type of the selected communication port is acquired, and the acquired identification information indicates that the selected communication port can acquire an address by the predetermined method, It is determined that the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can be acquired by the predetermined method, and the acquired identification information allows the selected communication port to acquire the address by the predetermined method. Address in the first protocol of the selected printer when the Control program according to claim 6, characterized in that it is determined that the not obtainable by the method. The judging means
When the acquired identification information indicates that the selected communication port is a communication port of the OS standard type, it is determined that the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can be acquired by the predetermined method. If the acquired identification information does not indicate that the selected communication port is a communication port of the OS standard type, the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can not be acquired by the predetermined method. The control program according to claim 6, characterized in that: The judging means
If the port name of the selected communication port includes a character string set in advance, it is determined that the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can be acquired by the predetermined method, and the selected communication port 7. The control according to claim 6, wherein it is determined that the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can not be obtained by the predetermined method when the character string is not included in the port name of. program.   The control program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the application and the control program are configured as one program. The application is
The computer,
When the first output unit outputs determination result information indicating that the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can be acquired by the predetermined method, the information processing apparatus includes the user interface via the user interface. The first output unit outputs judgment result information indicating that reception of an instruction operation for instructing a specification request is enabled, and that the address of the selected printer in the first protocol can be acquired by the predetermined method. The apparatus is configured to invalidate the reception of the instruction operation when there is no such operation, and is further configured to output the identification request to the control program when the instruction operation is performed. The control program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The computer,
Receiving means for receiving information corresponding to the specification request from the printer in response to the transmission means transmitting the specification request to the printer;
Second output means for outputting the information received by the receiving means to the application;
Make it work,
12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the application is configured to cause the display interface of the information processing apparatus to display the information when the information output by the second output unit is received. The control program according to any one of the above. The application is configured to cause the display interface to display a print target image that is an image based on print data transmitted to a printer.
The information received by the receiving unit is information including the size of a print medium for printing the print target image,
When the application receives the information output by the second output unit, the application is configured to cause the display interface to display a print target image having a size according to the size included in the information. The control program according to claim 12, which is assumed to be.   The user interface provided in the information processing apparatus when the first output unit outputs determination result information indicating that the application can obtain the address of the selected printer in the first protocol by the predetermined method. Enable reception of an instruction operation for instructing the specification request via the first output, and output the first determination result information indicating that the address in the first protocol of the selected printer can be obtained by the predetermined method The apparatus is configured to invalidate the reception of the instruction operation when the means does not output, and is further configured to output the identification request to the control program when the instruction operation is performed. The control program according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The computer,
When it is determined that the address information can be acquired by the determination unit, the address information acquired by the predetermined method is used to function as a second communication unit that communicates with the printer according to the first protocol,
The first output means is
When it is determined that the address information can be acquired by the determination unit and communication with the printer is possible by the second communication unit, the first determination result information is output to the application, and the address information is acquired by the determination unit. When it is judged that the second communication means can not communicate with the printer, the second judgment result information is outputted to the application, and the judgment means judges that the address information can not be obtained. Output third determination result information to the application,
When the application receives the first determination result information, the application enables acceptance of an instruction operation for instructing the specification request, and when the instruction operation is performed, the application transmits the specification request to the control program. The control program according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is configured to output.   When the application receives the second determination result information, the application invalidates the reception of the instruction operation in the first mode, and when the third determination result information is received, the application receives the reception of the second operation. The control program according to claim 15, wherein the control program is configured to invalidate in the aspect of.   The control program according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first protocol is Bluetooth.

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